Stranger Things Adaptation
⬇️ Promo Twitter for Stranger Things Adaptation ⬇️
Statement
Citizens of Hawkins, Indiana are mysteriously disappearing. The neighborhood kids are acting odd and a strange looking boy with a shaved head has been spotted. Something is definitely going on. I chose to use Stranger Things, created by the Duffer Brothers. Stranger Things takes place in Hawkins, Indiana during the 1980s. Will Byers who is one of the main characters goes missing. His friends named Mike, Dustin and Lucas go on the hunt to find out where their best friend is. While the boys go searching for Will they find a girl in the woods. Just from looking at her appearance they can they she is different. She has a shaved head and is wearing what looks like a medical gown. Mike hides her at his home and the boys call her Eleven. They realize eleven is special and has telekinesis powers. Eleven’s powers are feared by lab workers she escaped from. The powers Eleven possesses make her viewed as both a monster and a misfit. The boys are also misfits at their middle school. I would like to emphasize what makes someone a monster or misfit. In my adaptation of Stranger Things I will rewrite the final episode of season 1 to show monsters and misfits are in our society.
In my finale to season 1 I would like to add some new locations and develop some already in Hawkins. I would like to add some more scenes in the woods where the boys found Eleven. I am going to create a larger fight between Dr. Brenner/his employees and Eleven. What I would like to adapt the most is the final battle between Eleven and the Demogorgon. Instead of them fighting at Hawkins Middle School, they will fight in the woods where Eleven was found. The time period of the 1980s is going to stay the same in my adaptation. The time period of the 1980s works well with the series and I do not want to change it. Themes in Stranger Things are misfits/monsters, sacrifices, and courage. Monster and misfits are present in Stranger Things and will also be in my adaptation. Characters often need courage to listen to their gut and make decisions. The theme of courage will be a big theme in the adaptation. I would like to adapt Will more than he is in season 1. Since he is trapped in the upside down we do not get to see much of Will. I would like to add a new scene of Will towards the end. Also, I am going to add some more flashbacks.
My adaptation will question the role the government plays on society. Stranger Things already does this using Hawkins lab. Hopper and Joyce are lied to by the labs employees. In a society we hope that the government is truthful with it’s people. This is not the case with Hawkins lab. I would like the reader of my adaptation to question their government as well. A question someone might ask after reading my adaptation would be “what is the government hiding from us?” Another question the reader might ask is “what kind of weapons does the government own and what are they creating?” My adaptation will make you question who is the real monster. I would like the reader to question what makes someone a monster. Finally I intend for the reader to question their own views on the government.
In my finale to season 1 I would like to add some new locations and develop some already in Hawkins. I would like to add some more scenes in the woods where the boys found Eleven. I am going to create a larger fight between Dr. Brenner/his employees and Eleven. What I would like to adapt the most is the final battle between Eleven and the Demogorgon. Instead of them fighting at Hawkins Middle School, they will fight in the woods where Eleven was found. The time period of the 1980s is going to stay the same in my adaptation. The time period of the 1980s works well with the series and I do not want to change it. Themes in Stranger Things are misfits/monsters, sacrifices, and courage. Monster and misfits are present in Stranger Things and will also be in my adaptation. Characters often need courage to listen to their gut and make decisions. The theme of courage will be a big theme in the adaptation. I would like to adapt Will more than he is in season 1. Since he is trapped in the upside down we do not get to see much of Will. I would like to add a new scene of Will towards the end. Also, I am going to add some more flashbacks.
My adaptation will question the role the government plays on society. Stranger Things already does this using Hawkins lab. Hopper and Joyce are lied to by the labs employees. In a society we hope that the government is truthful with it’s people. This is not the case with Hawkins lab. I would like the reader of my adaptation to question their government as well. A question someone might ask after reading my adaptation would be “what is the government hiding from us?” Another question the reader might ask is “what kind of weapons does the government own and what are they creating?” My adaptation will make you question who is the real monster. I would like the reader to question what makes someone a monster. Finally I intend for the reader to question their own views on the government.
Final Adaptation
Start chapter eight of season 1 “The Upside Down” and watch till 5:09
Nancy and Jonathan pull up to the front of Jonathan’s house. The tires of Jonathan’s 1971 Ford LTD screech to a stop and the two of them get out. Nancy gives Jonathan a worried glance, but he pretends not to notice. They both walk quickly inside the dilapidated home and slam the front door shut. Without wasting any time, the two of them begin boobytrapping the home. Windows are boarded up, tables are flipped to be used for cover, bear traps are strategically placed inside, and Jonathan loads his pistol. As soon as the last bullet is loaded into the weapon, a loud pound of rage is heard at the front door. They both instantly stop their tasks of setting up the house. Jonathan stands still as Nancy walks towards the door to investigate. Multiple kicks at the door pursue and suddenly the door flies open which knocks Nancy to the ground. Steve comes sprinting inside the home. Jonathan is caught off guard and Steve tackles him to the ground, nearly knocking the air out of Jonathan. The gun is dropped to the side of the boys as they fall to the ground. Jonathan looks to Nancy for help, but sees that she is unconscious from the blow of the door. The two go back and forth throwing punches. Both of them are badly bruised and bleeding. Jonathan finally slugs Steve in his already bruised eye from their first fight. Blood drips from Steve’s face onto Jonathan’s denim jacket. Jonathan is able to get the upper hand and pin Steve. Steve remains to squirm from under Jonathan in an attempt to get free. Before Jonathan can explain what is going on a horribly loud noise is heard from outside the home. The volume of this shriek was not humanly possible. Jonathan rolls off of Steve and both boys look towards the open door. The driveway appears empty, but suddenly the Demogorgon leaps through the weak wood paneled wall. The Demogorgon was attracted to the blood from the fight. Nancy is able to get up but she is still woozy. Her head is spinning and she feels like she has been spun around in circles. Steve hides behind the kitchen table as Jonathan reaches for the gun. Jonathan aims at the monster, but misses. He was never a good shot and isn’t now when his life depends on it. Nancy is starting to look better and sits up. Jonathan tries to get another shot off, but it is too late. The Demogorgon jumps on top of him. Jonathan looks up and can only see hundreds of razor sharp teeth. The Demogorgon’s breath smells of rotten meat. Quickly Steve grabs a knife laying on the counter and stabs the Demogorgon. Its tough wet skin is pierced by the blade. This distracts the beast and Jonathan slides the gun to Nancy in the living room. Jonathan prays for his life that Nancy shoots like she did in the woods. Nancy reaches for the gun, shakily stands up and aims at the Demogorgon. The first shot misses, but she focuses in and hits the monster with the remaining bullets. Jonathan is able to escape from the Demogorgon’s grip. The monster is wounded, but manages to escape through the wall he used to come in. The three of them look at each other and are speechless.
Skip to 6:41 and watch until 9:45
Joyce and Hopper enter the upside down and are immediately disgusted. They are walking through Hopkins, but it is much more different than the Hopkins they know. Joyce says “How does the government hide something like this from us?” “Nobody knows about this place and it is right under us”. Everything seems dead, dark and quiet. The smell of rotting garbage drifts through the air. They walk down the middle of Main Street as they make their way to Joyce’s home. Looking at the buildings gives them both an eery feeling inside. Hopper has a flashback of walking with his daughter to the toy shop across the street. She is amazed by all the cabbage patch dolls and lite brites on display. Hopper is reminded of how much joy his daughter brought him and is then brought back to reality. He is back in the upside down and is following Joyce. When Hopper comes out of his flashback Joyce is opening the door to her home. The house looks even worse here. Holes are in the walls and long wet vines cover the outside. There is no sign of Will in the living room or his bedroom. Hopper trips over the leg of the kitchen table that had been flipped over. As he is getting up he hears a small noise from under the sink. Joyce opens the cabinet slowly as Hopper points his gun at whatever is inside. Inside of the dark cabinet is Will! Hopper quickly points his gun away from Will. Joyce scoops up her cold, scared and lonely son into her arms. The two hold each other, but before they can express their joy a loud call echoes through the air. Hopper looks at Joyce and Will and tells them “they have to go now”! The three of them jog in a hurry towards the exit of the upside down. They make their way through the vine covered streets with hardly any light to see. As they run down Main Street, Will stops in his tracks. He has a flashback, but this is more intense than any memory he has ever recalled. He watches himself in the third person sprint down Main Street desperately looking for somewhere to hide. He witnesses the terror on his own face and this is what stops him from moving. The fear he felt was so strong that he can still feel it inside of him. Will is frozen until he hears his mother scream his name in fear. Will looks around and realizes he is still in the upside down. Joyce and Hopper are both staring at something in the distance. When Will turns around he sees three monsters in pursuit of them. These creatures resemble Bulettes also referred to as land sharks. They have the legs of an armadillo and the head of a snapping turtle. The beasts let out a horrible call and two more join them on the hunt. Joyce, Hopper, and Will continue to run towards the exit as they are not far now. When they finally reach the exit it is now covered in vines. Joyce and Will begin to rip them apart. Hopper turns around and open fires on the ugly creatures. Hopper successfully takes down five, but as they die the monsters let out the same cry he heard before. The exit is now big enough for Will to squeeze through. Will gets outside and helps his mother squirm out. The vines move and shoot out a dark ooze when Joyce breaks them crawling her way out. It is now Hoppers turn to make it through the exit. He is about twice the size of Joyce and is pulling the vines apart to make it through. Hopper gets about half way in when he hears more of the monsters coming to get him. The noise Bulettes make when they are chasing down prey can be described as a foxes scream mixed with an opossums laugh. Hopper has ran out of ammunition and knows his only option is to make it out. Will and Joyce continue to tear at the sides of the vine covered exit as if their life depended on it. Joyce grabs onto Hoppers hand and starts to pull him towards her. Hopper snaps his leg back and is able to kick one of the creatures in the nose. This saves him enough time to give one last pull forward. Another creature lunges for him, but is a second too late. The beasts only manage to rip off one of Hopper’s boots. Hopper is breathing heavily and covered in sweat and vine slime, but Joyce embraces him in a huge hug. Hopper looks down at Will and sees that he is passed out. “We have to get him to a hospital” yells Joyce.
Skip to 26:11 as Mike is opening the school doors and watch till 27:20
Eleven makes a sharp turn down the last empty hallway. The gang busts through the exit of the school and runs outside. The boys hop on to their Schwin cruisers and Eleven sits on the back of the banana seat. They are not sure of where they are going, but know they have to get away quick. The boys are biking harder than they’ve ever had to before. It is pouring rain outside. The group thinks they have ditched the lab employees, until two large army looking trucks turn their high beams on behind them. The government trucks rev their engines as they chase down their monster. The boys make it half a mile until their legs are dead. Eleven tells them to stop biking and to hide on the side of the road. The boys quickly hop off and chuck their bikes into the surrounding woods. As the trucks come closer to them speeding up, Eleven jumps up into the road. The trucks try to stop, but the slick roads make it impossible. The first truck goes skidding into a tree and the one behind it follows. Immediately both of the trucks shoot up in flames. The boys slowing walk out of the tree line. They see that Eleven is okay and she is walking over to the trucks. Mike points out a muffled noise to the other boys. “It sounds like someone is yelling for help”. The boys make their way over to Eleven and see she is holding a man. His face and long white hair is covered in blood. Dustin says “who the hell is that”? Eleven replies “it’s my Papa”. As she finishes saying this a street light is knocked over. This makes it much more hard to see. One thing they all do see laying by the street light about a quarter mile away is a tall, skinny figure. The Demogorgon lets out a large roar and starts to run in their direction. Eleven and the boys turn around in the direction of the woods and take off. It is almost fully black outside and they have to dodge trees as they sprint by. The boys keep running in fear of what they will see behind them. Dustin suddenly stops and out of breath tries to yell to the others. Luckily he gets there attention and they gather up. Looking around at each other they realize something is not right. Eleven is missing. The boys run back to the road and see the Demogorgon jump on top of Eleven. The monster takes a swing at Eleven, but Lucas shoots it with his wrist rocket before he connects. The Demogorgon comes towards Lucas and is instantly pulled backwards. Eleven is back up and she lifts the Demogorgon thirty feet into the air. She slams him down straight into the concrete. A large hole is created and dust flies around them as if a small meteor had come crashing down. The boys look into the dark hole as the dust clears. The Demogorgon is gone, but Eleven is weak and falls to the ground. Mike is the first one to notice and rushes over to her side. “Oh my god, Eleven are you okay?” She peacefully looks up at Mike and nods her head. “I have to go now” Eleven says softly. “Promise me you’ll be back” Mike yells! Before Eleven can respond her body quickly disappears. “What just happened?” “Where did she go?” The boys look around only to not see any signs of Eleven. “We gotta keep searching” Mike yells to Lucas and Dustin. “She’s gone Mike, we gotta go home” Dustin replies. The boys bike home to hear the news that Will has been found. Lucas and Dustin cannot wait to go to the hospital, but Mike can only think of missing Eleven.
Skip to 40:22 and watch till 51:00
Will walks down the hall towards the bathroom. He stops and looks at a photo of his Mother, Jonathan and himself a few christmases ago. The photo brings a smile to his face and he takes in a big breathe. He can smell the wonderful meal his mother has made for Christmas Eve. He continues to walk down the hall to the bathroom. When he opens the door he is back in the upside down. All the warmth and joy he just felt disappears. Black vines cover the walls and floor. He takes a timid step inside of the bathroom and the door slams shut behind him. Will tries to look at himself in the mirror, but vines take up the glass. He rips one of the vines off and is shot in the face with the dark ooze inside. As he wipes off his face a low growl comes from behind him. A cold shiver runs down his spine. Too scared to turn around he looks through the small open spot in the mirror. The Demogorgon is sitting on top of the toilet and lets out a ginormous roar. Will quickly reaches for the handle of the bathroom door and nearly rips the hinges off. He sprints out and slams the door behind him. Will surprises Jonathan outside and knocks him to the ground. Luckily Jonathan acts quick and catches his new Pentax MX SLR before it hits the ground. Will looks around and sees he is no longer in the upside down. “Jeez Will, are you okay?” “You were taking awhile so mom wanted me to check on you”. “Yeah I’m fine” Will says. After this they go on to have a great meal, but Will seems quiet. When they are finished eating Will goes to his room and grabs his trc-214 walkie talkie. He gets ahold of the other guys and says “Guys, It’s Not Dead!”
The End
Nancy and Jonathan pull up to the front of Jonathan’s house. The tires of Jonathan’s 1971 Ford LTD screech to a stop and the two of them get out. Nancy gives Jonathan a worried glance, but he pretends not to notice. They both walk quickly inside the dilapidated home and slam the front door shut. Without wasting any time, the two of them begin boobytrapping the home. Windows are boarded up, tables are flipped to be used for cover, bear traps are strategically placed inside, and Jonathan loads his pistol. As soon as the last bullet is loaded into the weapon, a loud pound of rage is heard at the front door. They both instantly stop their tasks of setting up the house. Jonathan stands still as Nancy walks towards the door to investigate. Multiple kicks at the door pursue and suddenly the door flies open which knocks Nancy to the ground. Steve comes sprinting inside the home. Jonathan is caught off guard and Steve tackles him to the ground, nearly knocking the air out of Jonathan. The gun is dropped to the side of the boys as they fall to the ground. Jonathan looks to Nancy for help, but sees that she is unconscious from the blow of the door. The two go back and forth throwing punches. Both of them are badly bruised and bleeding. Jonathan finally slugs Steve in his already bruised eye from their first fight. Blood drips from Steve’s face onto Jonathan’s denim jacket. Jonathan is able to get the upper hand and pin Steve. Steve remains to squirm from under Jonathan in an attempt to get free. Before Jonathan can explain what is going on a horribly loud noise is heard from outside the home. The volume of this shriek was not humanly possible. Jonathan rolls off of Steve and both boys look towards the open door. The driveway appears empty, but suddenly the Demogorgon leaps through the weak wood paneled wall. The Demogorgon was attracted to the blood from the fight. Nancy is able to get up but she is still woozy. Her head is spinning and she feels like she has been spun around in circles. Steve hides behind the kitchen table as Jonathan reaches for the gun. Jonathan aims at the monster, but misses. He was never a good shot and isn’t now when his life depends on it. Nancy is starting to look better and sits up. Jonathan tries to get another shot off, but it is too late. The Demogorgon jumps on top of him. Jonathan looks up and can only see hundreds of razor sharp teeth. The Demogorgon’s breath smells of rotten meat. Quickly Steve grabs a knife laying on the counter and stabs the Demogorgon. Its tough wet skin is pierced by the blade. This distracts the beast and Jonathan slides the gun to Nancy in the living room. Jonathan prays for his life that Nancy shoots like she did in the woods. Nancy reaches for the gun, shakily stands up and aims at the Demogorgon. The first shot misses, but she focuses in and hits the monster with the remaining bullets. Jonathan is able to escape from the Demogorgon’s grip. The monster is wounded, but manages to escape through the wall he used to come in. The three of them look at each other and are speechless.
Skip to 6:41 and watch until 9:45
Joyce and Hopper enter the upside down and are immediately disgusted. They are walking through Hopkins, but it is much more different than the Hopkins they know. Joyce says “How does the government hide something like this from us?” “Nobody knows about this place and it is right under us”. Everything seems dead, dark and quiet. The smell of rotting garbage drifts through the air. They walk down the middle of Main Street as they make their way to Joyce’s home. Looking at the buildings gives them both an eery feeling inside. Hopper has a flashback of walking with his daughter to the toy shop across the street. She is amazed by all the cabbage patch dolls and lite brites on display. Hopper is reminded of how much joy his daughter brought him and is then brought back to reality. He is back in the upside down and is following Joyce. When Hopper comes out of his flashback Joyce is opening the door to her home. The house looks even worse here. Holes are in the walls and long wet vines cover the outside. There is no sign of Will in the living room or his bedroom. Hopper trips over the leg of the kitchen table that had been flipped over. As he is getting up he hears a small noise from under the sink. Joyce opens the cabinet slowly as Hopper points his gun at whatever is inside. Inside of the dark cabinet is Will! Hopper quickly points his gun away from Will. Joyce scoops up her cold, scared and lonely son into her arms. The two hold each other, but before they can express their joy a loud call echoes through the air. Hopper looks at Joyce and Will and tells them “they have to go now”! The three of them jog in a hurry towards the exit of the upside down. They make their way through the vine covered streets with hardly any light to see. As they run down Main Street, Will stops in his tracks. He has a flashback, but this is more intense than any memory he has ever recalled. He watches himself in the third person sprint down Main Street desperately looking for somewhere to hide. He witnesses the terror on his own face and this is what stops him from moving. The fear he felt was so strong that he can still feel it inside of him. Will is frozen until he hears his mother scream his name in fear. Will looks around and realizes he is still in the upside down. Joyce and Hopper are both staring at something in the distance. When Will turns around he sees three monsters in pursuit of them. These creatures resemble Bulettes also referred to as land sharks. They have the legs of an armadillo and the head of a snapping turtle. The beasts let out a horrible call and two more join them on the hunt. Joyce, Hopper, and Will continue to run towards the exit as they are not far now. When they finally reach the exit it is now covered in vines. Joyce and Will begin to rip them apart. Hopper turns around and open fires on the ugly creatures. Hopper successfully takes down five, but as they die the monsters let out the same cry he heard before. The exit is now big enough for Will to squeeze through. Will gets outside and helps his mother squirm out. The vines move and shoot out a dark ooze when Joyce breaks them crawling her way out. It is now Hoppers turn to make it through the exit. He is about twice the size of Joyce and is pulling the vines apart to make it through. Hopper gets about half way in when he hears more of the monsters coming to get him. The noise Bulettes make when they are chasing down prey can be described as a foxes scream mixed with an opossums laugh. Hopper has ran out of ammunition and knows his only option is to make it out. Will and Joyce continue to tear at the sides of the vine covered exit as if their life depended on it. Joyce grabs onto Hoppers hand and starts to pull him towards her. Hopper snaps his leg back and is able to kick one of the creatures in the nose. This saves him enough time to give one last pull forward. Another creature lunges for him, but is a second too late. The beasts only manage to rip off one of Hopper’s boots. Hopper is breathing heavily and covered in sweat and vine slime, but Joyce embraces him in a huge hug. Hopper looks down at Will and sees that he is passed out. “We have to get him to a hospital” yells Joyce.
Skip to 26:11 as Mike is opening the school doors and watch till 27:20
Eleven makes a sharp turn down the last empty hallway. The gang busts through the exit of the school and runs outside. The boys hop on to their Schwin cruisers and Eleven sits on the back of the banana seat. They are not sure of where they are going, but know they have to get away quick. The boys are biking harder than they’ve ever had to before. It is pouring rain outside. The group thinks they have ditched the lab employees, until two large army looking trucks turn their high beams on behind them. The government trucks rev their engines as they chase down their monster. The boys make it half a mile until their legs are dead. Eleven tells them to stop biking and to hide on the side of the road. The boys quickly hop off and chuck their bikes into the surrounding woods. As the trucks come closer to them speeding up, Eleven jumps up into the road. The trucks try to stop, but the slick roads make it impossible. The first truck goes skidding into a tree and the one behind it follows. Immediately both of the trucks shoot up in flames. The boys slowing walk out of the tree line. They see that Eleven is okay and she is walking over to the trucks. Mike points out a muffled noise to the other boys. “It sounds like someone is yelling for help”. The boys make their way over to Eleven and see she is holding a man. His face and long white hair is covered in blood. Dustin says “who the hell is that”? Eleven replies “it’s my Papa”. As she finishes saying this a street light is knocked over. This makes it much more hard to see. One thing they all do see laying by the street light about a quarter mile away is a tall, skinny figure. The Demogorgon lets out a large roar and starts to run in their direction. Eleven and the boys turn around in the direction of the woods and take off. It is almost fully black outside and they have to dodge trees as they sprint by. The boys keep running in fear of what they will see behind them. Dustin suddenly stops and out of breath tries to yell to the others. Luckily he gets there attention and they gather up. Looking around at each other they realize something is not right. Eleven is missing. The boys run back to the road and see the Demogorgon jump on top of Eleven. The monster takes a swing at Eleven, but Lucas shoots it with his wrist rocket before he connects. The Demogorgon comes towards Lucas and is instantly pulled backwards. Eleven is back up and she lifts the Demogorgon thirty feet into the air. She slams him down straight into the concrete. A large hole is created and dust flies around them as if a small meteor had come crashing down. The boys look into the dark hole as the dust clears. The Demogorgon is gone, but Eleven is weak and falls to the ground. Mike is the first one to notice and rushes over to her side. “Oh my god, Eleven are you okay?” She peacefully looks up at Mike and nods her head. “I have to go now” Eleven says softly. “Promise me you’ll be back” Mike yells! Before Eleven can respond her body quickly disappears. “What just happened?” “Where did she go?” The boys look around only to not see any signs of Eleven. “We gotta keep searching” Mike yells to Lucas and Dustin. “She’s gone Mike, we gotta go home” Dustin replies. The boys bike home to hear the news that Will has been found. Lucas and Dustin cannot wait to go to the hospital, but Mike can only think of missing Eleven.
Skip to 40:22 and watch till 51:00
Will walks down the hall towards the bathroom. He stops and looks at a photo of his Mother, Jonathan and himself a few christmases ago. The photo brings a smile to his face and he takes in a big breathe. He can smell the wonderful meal his mother has made for Christmas Eve. He continues to walk down the hall to the bathroom. When he opens the door he is back in the upside down. All the warmth and joy he just felt disappears. Black vines cover the walls and floor. He takes a timid step inside of the bathroom and the door slams shut behind him. Will tries to look at himself in the mirror, but vines take up the glass. He rips one of the vines off and is shot in the face with the dark ooze inside. As he wipes off his face a low growl comes from behind him. A cold shiver runs down his spine. Too scared to turn around he looks through the small open spot in the mirror. The Demogorgon is sitting on top of the toilet and lets out a ginormous roar. Will quickly reaches for the handle of the bathroom door and nearly rips the hinges off. He sprints out and slams the door behind him. Will surprises Jonathan outside and knocks him to the ground. Luckily Jonathan acts quick and catches his new Pentax MX SLR before it hits the ground. Will looks around and sees he is no longer in the upside down. “Jeez Will, are you okay?” “You were taking awhile so mom wanted me to check on you”. “Yeah I’m fine” Will says. After this they go on to have a great meal, but Will seems quiet. When they are finished eating Will goes to his room and grabs his trc-214 walkie talkie. He gets ahold of the other guys and says “Guys, It’s Not Dead!”
The End
Research Summary
Stranger Things season 1 has quickly become a hit on Netflix. I was hooked from the first episode and I continued to watch the next five episodes right after. In my adaptation, I will be changing the final episode of season 1. The concepts of making a monster/misfit will be addressed. I plan on adding a scene between the boys and their bullies. Also, the role of the government in our society. The 1980s time period will remain the same in my adaptation. The main difference in my adaptation will be the final battle with Eleven. Themes in Stranger Things are misfits/monsters, sacrifices, bullying and courage. These same themes will be implemented throughout my season finale.
“On Secular Spirituality in the Duffer Brothers’ Stranger Things, Series 1” *
This paper looks at religion in Stranger Things. Climate change, gender roles and the role of religion in our lives in also mentioned throughout the paper. “Eleven, who escapes from the scientists who are abusing her, arrives in town with a shaved head and a limited ability to express herself, a portrayal which purposefully challenges traditional gender binaries” (King 4). It is interesting the concepts that this article looks at inside the world of Hawkins. It makes observations to show how Stranger Things addresses bigger topics. Joyce and Eleven are very powerful female characters. I intend to keep this the same in my adaptation.
“The Next Monster”
The article describes the culture of the 1980s in Stranger Things. The article describes elements of the 1980s that I will add in my adaptation, such as dungeons and dragons, huffy bikes and 80s clothing. Similarities to the Stranger Things series are also mentioned which I have also watched. “Stranger Things is lovingly built from the reclaimed wood of ’80s movies like E.T., Carrie, The Thing, Firestarter, and A Nightmare on Elm Street. The Duffer brothers make no attempt to hide their inspiration.” (Hearlson 1). I have always enjoyed Steven Spielberg movies which have a lot of similarities to Stranger Things. Also, reading Carrie and watching Stephen King movies such as The Green Mile, The Shining and Stand by Me are some of my favorite movies.
“On Secular Spirituality in the Duffer Brothers’ Stranger Things, Series 1” *
This paper looks at religion in Stranger Things. Climate change, gender roles and the role of religion in our lives in also mentioned throughout the paper. “Eleven, who escapes from the scientists who are abusing her, arrives in town with a shaved head and a limited ability to express herself, a portrayal which purposefully challenges traditional gender binaries” (King 4). It is interesting the concepts that this article looks at inside the world of Hawkins. It makes observations to show how Stranger Things addresses bigger topics. Joyce and Eleven are very powerful female characters. I intend to keep this the same in my adaptation.
“The Next Monster”
The article describes the culture of the 1980s in Stranger Things. The article describes elements of the 1980s that I will add in my adaptation, such as dungeons and dragons, huffy bikes and 80s clothing. Similarities to the Stranger Things series are also mentioned which I have also watched. “Stranger Things is lovingly built from the reclaimed wood of ’80s movies like E.T., Carrie, The Thing, Firestarter, and A Nightmare on Elm Street. The Duffer brothers make no attempt to hide their inspiration.” (Hearlson 1). I have always enjoyed Steven Spielberg movies which have a lot of similarities to Stranger Things. Also, reading Carrie and watching Stephen King movies such as The Green Mile, The Shining and Stand by Me are some of my favorite movies.
“How 'Stranger Things' Captures '80s Panic Over Missing Kids; The Netflix series pays homage to films of the 1980s, but it also depicts the issue of missing children at a time when it was gaining national attention”
This article ties Stranger Things into the disappearance of kids during the 1980s. The article describes how improvements have been made in missing children’s cases. Missing children are now found quickly and much more often. ‘ “Parents were taking out kidnap insurance. They were being advised by local police stations to have their children finger- printed” so they could identify the bodies later” (Kutner 2). I have learned from this article about different police cases and how they were handled. Details from this article will be added into my adaptation.
“NETFLIX STREAMS THAT 1980s MOVIE YOU MISSED: Creating the Visual Language of Stranger Things Season 2”
This digital video magazine talks about the cinematography of Stranger Things. I want to add scenes that the viewers would be shocked to watch for the first time. I am very excited to recreate the final battle between Eleven and the Demogorgon. The magazine talks about how the effects have changed and improved since season 1. Since the first season became so popular, the Duffer Brothers had an increase in funding for effects. "We use practical gunshots in-camera, without VFX enhancement, but then when you need to see the flash of a gun without seeing the muzzle, that was done with lighting. Spielberg used that kind of effect often in Raiders of the Lost Ark, which is another 1980s touchstone for the series, so it made sense to include it in our wheelhouse of tools” (Martin 1). It is interesting in reading about how the cameras are used to see the effects on screen.
“Rose-coloured rear-view: stranger things and the lure of a false past” *
This academic journal looks at what makes Stranger Things unique from shows in the 1980s. The series takes so much inspiration from the past, yet still stays original to itself. “More than that, it uses the sophisticated cinematic language of twenty-first century television to powerful effect. In fact, it's worth noting that this show simply wouldn't have existed in 1984” (Australian Teachers of Media). The episodes in season 1 are filled with drama without being over the top. The acting is not cheesy and accurately depicts characters of the 1980s. I am interested in using this realistic drama in my final episode of season 1.
“Stranger Things season 2 review”
This review of Stranger Things season 2 will help me know what others fans enjoy about the series. I am going to adapt what I wanted to see in the series, but this let’s me hear from another opinion on what to change. “If I was to have one complaint it would be that while there is a lot of enjoyment in the familiarity of the show, it still uses the same template as the first season and therefore doesn't take the bold risks it once did. With a season three and four already being discussed, I fear the format won't last and will need a dramatic overhaul” (Daily Mirror). Knowing this from the review I will try and add more mystery into the plot with answers to be found in future episodes.
This article ties Stranger Things into the disappearance of kids during the 1980s. The article describes how improvements have been made in missing children’s cases. Missing children are now found quickly and much more often. ‘ “Parents were taking out kidnap insurance. They were being advised by local police stations to have their children finger- printed” so they could identify the bodies later” (Kutner 2). I have learned from this article about different police cases and how they were handled. Details from this article will be added into my adaptation.
“NETFLIX STREAMS THAT 1980s MOVIE YOU MISSED: Creating the Visual Language of Stranger Things Season 2”
This digital video magazine talks about the cinematography of Stranger Things. I want to add scenes that the viewers would be shocked to watch for the first time. I am very excited to recreate the final battle between Eleven and the Demogorgon. The magazine talks about how the effects have changed and improved since season 1. Since the first season became so popular, the Duffer Brothers had an increase in funding for effects. "We use practical gunshots in-camera, without VFX enhancement, but then when you need to see the flash of a gun without seeing the muzzle, that was done with lighting. Spielberg used that kind of effect often in Raiders of the Lost Ark, which is another 1980s touchstone for the series, so it made sense to include it in our wheelhouse of tools” (Martin 1). It is interesting in reading about how the cameras are used to see the effects on screen.
“Rose-coloured rear-view: stranger things and the lure of a false past” *
This academic journal looks at what makes Stranger Things unique from shows in the 1980s. The series takes so much inspiration from the past, yet still stays original to itself. “More than that, it uses the sophisticated cinematic language of twenty-first century television to powerful effect. In fact, it's worth noting that this show simply wouldn't have existed in 1984” (Australian Teachers of Media). The episodes in season 1 are filled with drama without being over the top. The acting is not cheesy and accurately depicts characters of the 1980s. I am interested in using this realistic drama in my final episode of season 1.
“Stranger Things season 2 review”
This review of Stranger Things season 2 will help me know what others fans enjoy about the series. I am going to adapt what I wanted to see in the series, but this let’s me hear from another opinion on what to change. “If I was to have one complaint it would be that while there is a lot of enjoyment in the familiarity of the show, it still uses the same template as the first season and therefore doesn't take the bold risks it once did. With a season three and four already being discussed, I fear the format won't last and will need a dramatic overhaul” (Daily Mirror). Knowing this from the review I will try and add more mystery into the plot with answers to be found in future episodes.
Works Cited
Hearlson, Adam. “The next Monster.” The Christian Century, no. 22, 2016, p. 43. EBSCOhost, libraries.maine.edu/mainedatabases/authmaine.asp?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=cookie,ip,uid&db=edsgao&AN=edsgcl.471000017&site=eds-live.
King, Liesl E. On Secular Spirituality in the Duffer Brothers’ Stranger Things, Series 1. 20 Sept. 2017, rupkatha.com/V9/n3/v9n303.pdf.
Kutner, Max. How 'Stranger Things' Captures '80s Panic Over Missing Kids; The Netflix Series Pays Homage to Films of the 1980s, but It Also Depicts the Issue of Missing Children at a Time When It Was Gaining National Attention., Newsweek LLC, 2016., 2 Sept. 20163469ee4ef7cc@sessionmgr101&bdata=JkF1dGhUeXBlPWNvb2tpZSxpcCx1aWQmc2l0ZT1lZHMtbGl2ZQ==#AN=edsric.A462213605&db=edsric.
Martin, Kevin H. "NETFLIX STREAMS THAT 1980s MOVIE YOU MISSED: Creating the Visual Language of Stranger Things Season 2." Digital Video Magazine, Dec. 2017, p. 18+. General OneFile, http://link.galegroup.com.ursus- proxy-11.ursus.maine.edu/apps/doc/A529516953/ITOF?u=maine&sid=ITOF&xid=4a629521. Accessed 10 Dec. 2018.
“Rose-Coloured Rear-View: Stranger Things and the Lure of a False Past.” Screen Education, no. 85, 2017, p. 16. EBSCOhost, libraries.maine.edu/mainedatabases/authmaine.asp?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=cookie,ip,uid&db=edsgao&AN=edsgcl.490693234&site=eds-live.
"Stranger Things Season 2 Review - everything gets turned up to eleven; Fans won't be disappointed as Will Byers and the troubled teens return to defend Hawkins once more." Daily Mirror [London, England], 26 Oct. 2017. General OneFile, http://link.galegroup.com.ursus-proxy-11.ursus.maine.edu/apps/doc/A511502961/ITOF?u=maine&sid=ITOF&xid=ccc1bba8. Accessed 10 Dec. 2018.
King, Liesl E. On Secular Spirituality in the Duffer Brothers’ Stranger Things, Series 1. 20 Sept. 2017, rupkatha.com/V9/n3/v9n303.pdf.
Kutner, Max. How 'Stranger Things' Captures '80s Panic Over Missing Kids; The Netflix Series Pays Homage to Films of the 1980s, but It Also Depicts the Issue of Missing Children at a Time When It Was Gaining National Attention., Newsweek LLC, 2016., 2 Sept. 20163469ee4ef7cc@sessionmgr101&bdata=JkF1dGhUeXBlPWNvb2tpZSxpcCx1aWQmc2l0ZT1lZHMtbGl2ZQ==#AN=edsric.A462213605&db=edsric.
Martin, Kevin H. "NETFLIX STREAMS THAT 1980s MOVIE YOU MISSED: Creating the Visual Language of Stranger Things Season 2." Digital Video Magazine, Dec. 2017, p. 18+. General OneFile, http://link.galegroup.com.ursus- proxy-11.ursus.maine.edu/apps/doc/A529516953/ITOF?u=maine&sid=ITOF&xid=4a629521. Accessed 10 Dec. 2018.
“Rose-Coloured Rear-View: Stranger Things and the Lure of a False Past.” Screen Education, no. 85, 2017, p. 16. EBSCOhost, libraries.maine.edu/mainedatabases/authmaine.asp?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=cookie,ip,uid&db=edsgao&AN=edsgcl.490693234&site=eds-live.
"Stranger Things Season 2 Review - everything gets turned up to eleven; Fans won't be disappointed as Will Byers and the troubled teens return to defend Hawkins once more." Daily Mirror [London, England], 26 Oct. 2017. General OneFile, http://link.galegroup.com.ursus-proxy-11.ursus.maine.edu/apps/doc/A511502961/ITOF?u=maine&sid=ITOF&xid=ccc1bba8. Accessed 10 Dec. 2018.